Thanks Met. I got a reasonable amount of parts and have access to a reasonable number of cars, some old, some almost new, and some in between (some belong to our kids). All are running at this point (and have full fuel). I don’t think any of us will be putting too many miles on, so I don’t expect too many breakdowns.
The wife and I did debate buying a new car at the outset of this nightmare, but we couldn’t agree on a style. She wanted an SUV, while I wanted something that didn’t advertise what I was carrying. On top of that was the cost, as it would have nearly doubled our overall prepping dollars.
Now, of course, no way, due to the social interaction involved - but it will also be a long time, 5 years minimum, probably over 10 years, before the quality of new cars will be able to match what we had going into this - due to all the supply line hits for the manufactures.
Ours are fairly new.
We bought Toyotas after my daughter bought a used one and it lived another 11 years.
They have been terrific cars and should be good for a long time yet.
It’s ridiculous that car dealers have been shuttered. People need new cars and there are many dealers who have them sitting on their lots, getting lot rot.